Trails

Trails grants can help with the planning, development and promotion of all types of trails such as walking, cycling, horse riding and paddling routes to support active recreation in the natural environment.

Agreement of stakeholders including local government(s) and land managers

Strategies for trail promotion

A trails management plan including trails management, maintenance and sustainability

Design considerations and specifications

Active involvement of Indigenous people and communities (as appropriate)

Note: Please call us if your project is on Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) or private land or if your project is primarily about interpretation (e.g. explaining and helping us to understand our natural or cultural heritage).

For Lotterywest to support trails that will be on DPaW or private land:

All projects need to have been clearly initiated by the community

The applicant needs to contribute resources to the project and have significant ongoing responsibility for it

The applicant needs a secure long-term lease (or equivalent) for any permanent capital works structure on the land

What we need from you

A completed Lotterywest grant application

Two written quotes for items over $3,000; a written estimate, advertised price, or one written quote for items under $3,000 (low value, miscellaneous items can be grouped together up to $1,000

We also need additional information about your organisation. Find out more in our getting started section.

Resources

For a comprehensive list of tools and resources to guide you through the application process, visit the how to apply page.

Growing friendships

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I ask for?

We accept applications from $1,000 upwards. Please don't under or over estimate your request. Apply for the amount that will serve the need properly.

There are limits for unincorporated groups and organisations not GST registered. The limit is a combined total of up to $15,000 for each financial year.

How long is the process?

If your application is complete when you submit it to us, it will generally take three months to progress to the Lotterywest Board for consideration. If your request is more complex, or there are aspects of your application that are outstanding or need development, it can take longer. Please factor in these timeframes for funding your event or project. We will let you know as soon as possible if your application is not eligible for Lotterywest support, not ready to progress or hasn’t provided enough time for us to assess it before you need an outcome.

Which grant type do I apply for?

Our range of grant types (below) gives you an idea of what Lotterywest can support and what they cover. If your idea doesn't fit one of these categories or your request covers more than one grant type, please contact us.

Should I engage a consultant?

Whether you are developing a strategic, business or marketing plan, conducting a training review, planning your information and communications technology needs or designing a community facility - engaging a consultant may help in the following circumstances:

If you need expert advice

When you don't have enough people to do the work

If attempts to do something internally haven't worked

To help move past internal differences of opinion

When you need a fresh view

To challenge your organisation’s culture and assumptions

Choose a consultant who is recommended by others and has a proven track record in providing relevant, high quality advice. They should also have the ability to offer fresh ideas and someone who understands your organisation, its work and values so that they may add value by sharing and building skills with your staff.

We can help with the cost of engaging a consultant, for details please refer to our organisational development grants. You may also want to explore options for pro bono (free) or discounted consultancy support.

We’ve developed a Directory of Consultants to help you look for consultancy support to suit your project. The Lotterywest Directory of Consultants provides details of consultants, together with referees, who’ve provided services to other community organisations and/or local government authorities in a range of areas.

The inclusion of a consultant in the Directory is not an endorsement of their work by Lotterywest. It is up to you to do your own research to decide whether a consultant is suitable for your project. You do not need to use the services of one of these consultants for your project to be supported. We welcome your feedback to help us keep the Directory current and useful.

Other helpful tips:

Don’t hire a consultant to justify a decision that has already been made

Make sure everyone in your organisation understands what the consultant is doing and what will be provided

Provide a clear written brief to the consultant before engaging them outlining what you want done and why

Make sure you agree what you want the consultant to deliver, together with a defined timeframe

Check the contract before you sign and engage the consultant

Be prepared to modify the contract if circumstances change

Use the contract as a reference point to make sure you receive what you have agreed before making a final payment

Common Use Agreements (CUAs) are whole-of-government standing offers. They are awarded to a single or panel of suppliers to provide goods or services commonly used by government agencies. Western Australian public authorities, other government entities, local government authorities and registered Public Benevolent Institutions can buy from CUA suppliers. Your organisation may be in a position to benefit from CUA arrangements. Find out more at Contracts WA.

The Connecting Up Suppliers Directory connects Not-For-Profit organisations with IT providers. Visit Connecting Up for more information.

How do I create successful partnerships?

Partnerships between organisations can deliver improved outcomes from streamlining administrative tasks and shared workspaces to working together to deliver a community project.

We often achieve more when we work with others. Many organisations say that their best partnerships have created opportunities and results never imagined when they started working together. The information below shares ideas to help you create successful partnerships.

There are many forms of partnership. For the purpose of this section, we are referring to a relationship which endures for a period ranging from a few months to several years.

Partnerships often develop between community organisations in the same sector working together to deliver better services, share facilities or combine administration functions.

Community-business partnerships develop when a community organisation works with private business to raise funds, build capacity, share work spaces, increase opportunities, improve outcomes or achieve other goals. Community organisations can also form partnerships with public sector agencies. This is most common at local government level however they are also developed at State or Federal level.

Good partnerships often have:

Support by the leadership of both partners

Mutual understanding and respect

Alignment of organisational values and culture

Careful and thorough planning

Well understood objectives for all parties and the partnership, as well as the resources required

Clear, open and regular communication throughout the partnership

Clarity on roles, responsibilities, goals and boundaries as well as criteria for success and how each party will exit the partnership when the time comes

Commitment and honesty

Shared responsibilities, contributions and benefits

Other helpful tips:

Don’t rush the beginning stage – take time getting to know each other

Start small. Tackle manageable objectives together first before taking on bigger ones

Build ownership of the partnership across all levels of organisations

Each partner should agree on issues such as requirements and responsibilities for risk and insurance

Decide who will communicate with the media

Be willing to learn and adapt as the partnership develops

Make time to communicate regularly

Look out for ways to add value to the partnership

Remember that business, government and community sectors can have different cultures relating to time and priorities